Keep pulling the thread on Marco Rubio.
The U.S. naval blockade and raid in Venezuela cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, with some outside estimates as high as one billion dollars.
Under the Maduro regime, Venezuela served as the primary base of operations in the Western Hemisphere for Iran.
Under the Maduro regime, Venezuela was Russia's primary base of operations in the Western Hemisphere, along with Cuba and Nicaragua.
China was receiving Venezuelan oil at a discount of $20 per barrel, which was used to pay down Venezuela's debt to China rather than being paid for in cash.
The Maduro regime in Venezuela openly cooperated with the FARC and ELN drug trafficking organizations.
The U.S. has arranged to allow sanctioned Venezuelan oil to be sold at market prices, with the proceeds deposited into an account with U.S. oversight to be spent on the Venezuelan people.
Venezuela is now sourcing 100% of its diluent, a light crude needed for its oil production, from the United States, whereas it previously sourced 100% from Russia.
Venezuela's interim authorities have passed a new hydrocarbon law that removes many Chavez-era restrictions on private investment in the oil industry.
For the first time in 20 years, the U.S. is engaged in serious counter-narcotics talks with Venezuelan authorities.
An initial sale of sanctioned Venezuelan oil generated $500 million, of which $300 million was paid to the Venezuelan government and $200 million remains in an account in Qatar.
Last year, 75% of all oil exported from Venezuela was sent to China.
Since the U.S. quarantine began, Venezuelan crude oil shipments to China have decreased dramatically.